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True Colors
Paramount // R // August 20, 2002
List Price: $24.98 [Buy now and save at Amazon]
The Movie:
"True Colors" is worthwhile viewing if for nothing other than the fact that it stars John Cusack and James Spader. Excellent - if occasionally inconsistent - actors both, together they play off one another wonderfully, with Cusack's hyper-active delivery well-matched by Spader's somewhat icy calm. Remarkably enough, the two actors manage to drive along this otherwise rather mediocre tale of political ambition and friendship, which would have likely been dull and completely uninvolving with two other actors in the lead roles.
Spader plays Tim Garrity and Cusack stars as Peter Burton. Both come from different backgrounds, but manage to bond over an auto accident where Peter nearly lets his temper get the best of him - only it's all in the matter of putting on a show. The two find themselves paired up as roommates and, rather than fighting, they actually become friends. Most of "True Colors" is devoted to showing their friendship as the two attempt to scramble up the ladder.
However, things start to take a turn once it's revealed that Peter changed some aspects of his background so that he could more easily fit in with the high society he envisions himself becoming a part of. Sounds like an interesting story so far, right? Maybe Oliver Stone could have done a lot with this tale of ambition, but unfortunately, director Herbert Ross (working from a weak script by "Working Girl"'s Kevin Wade) doesn't make this story nearly as dynamic as it should have been. When Peter sleeps with the powerful senator's daughter (Imogen Stubbs), who just happens to be Tim's fiancee, Tim doesn't seem to be nearly as upset as he should be, aside from a little scuffle on a ski slope. Finally, the Spader character rises up once again, but it's a little difficult to believe that none of the characters really understand the motives behind Peter's actions.
Again, the performances are excellent, as Cusack and Spader are given the unenviable task of carrying the movie completely. Cusack, who has rarely (if ever) played the villian, goes about it in an interesting manner, with little surface menace, but signs of trouble underneath. Supporting roles are decent, but the Spader and Cusack characters are really the only ones fully explored.
Overall, "True Colors" works as well as it does thanks to the two lead performances. It certainly would have succeeded more not only if it boasted a stronger, more complex screenplay, but a more dynamic and fierce tone.
The DVD
VIDEO: "True Colors" is presented by Paramount in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen. The picture quality is generally pleasant, although the 1991 movie has a somewhat dated appearance (surprising, given the fact that the cinematographer here is the brilliant Dante Spinotti). Sharpness and detail are adequate, as the picture remained moderately crisp, with decent definition and only a few stray moments of noticable softness.
Flaws are generally mild, with some light grain apparent in several scenes and a few little specks and marks on the print used. Edge enhancement remained minimal and unobtrusive, as did pixelation or other faults. Colors were accurately rendered, appearing slightly smeared at times, but otherwise natural.
SOUND: Paramount offers "True Colors" with a new Dolby Digital 5.1 remix. Given the fact that this is a completely dialogue-driven offering, there's really very little going on. Unfortunately, the one element that gets some surround presence is Trevor Jones' corny score, which sounds more dated than the picture looks. Otherwise, dialogue sounds natural and music remained clear.
MENUS: Basic, non-animated main & sub-menus.
EXTRAS: Nothing is included.
Final Thoughts: "True Colors" offers two fine performances, but the screenplay could have been improved. Paramount's DVD edition offers no supplements, but respectable audio/video. Rent it.
"True Colors" is worthwhile viewing if for nothing other than the fact that it stars John Cusack and James Spader. Excellent - if occasionally inconsistent - actors both, together they play off one another wonderfully, with Cusack's hyper-active delivery well-matched by Spader's somewhat icy calm. Remarkably enough, the two actors manage to drive along this otherwise rather mediocre tale of political ambition and friendship, which would have likely been dull and completely uninvolving with two other actors in the lead roles.
Spader plays Tim Garrity and Cusack stars as Peter Burton. Both come from different backgrounds, but manage to bond over an auto accident where Peter nearly lets his temper get the best of him - only it's all in the matter of putting on a show. The two find themselves paired up as roommates and, rather than fighting, they actually become friends. Most of "True Colors" is devoted to showing their friendship as the two attempt to scramble up the ladder.
However, things start to take a turn once it's revealed that Peter changed some aspects of his background so that he could more easily fit in with the high society he envisions himself becoming a part of. Sounds like an interesting story so far, right? Maybe Oliver Stone could have done a lot with this tale of ambition, but unfortunately, director Herbert Ross (working from a weak script by "Working Girl"'s Kevin Wade) doesn't make this story nearly as dynamic as it should have been. When Peter sleeps with the powerful senator's daughter (Imogen Stubbs), who just happens to be Tim's fiancee, Tim doesn't seem to be nearly as upset as he should be, aside from a little scuffle on a ski slope. Finally, the Spader character rises up once again, but it's a little difficult to believe that none of the characters really understand the motives behind Peter's actions.
Again, the performances are excellent, as Cusack and Spader are given the unenviable task of carrying the movie completely. Cusack, who has rarely (if ever) played the villian, goes about it in an interesting manner, with little surface menace, but signs of trouble underneath. Supporting roles are decent, but the Spader and Cusack characters are really the only ones fully explored.
Overall, "True Colors" works as well as it does thanks to the two lead performances. It certainly would have succeeded more not only if it boasted a stronger, more complex screenplay, but a more dynamic and fierce tone.
The DVD
VIDEO: "True Colors" is presented by Paramount in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen. The picture quality is generally pleasant, although the 1991 movie has a somewhat dated appearance (surprising, given the fact that the cinematographer here is the brilliant Dante Spinotti). Sharpness and detail are adequate, as the picture remained moderately crisp, with decent definition and only a few stray moments of noticable softness.
Flaws are generally mild, with some light grain apparent in several scenes and a few little specks and marks on the print used. Edge enhancement remained minimal and unobtrusive, as did pixelation or other faults. Colors were accurately rendered, appearing slightly smeared at times, but otherwise natural.
SOUND: Paramount offers "True Colors" with a new Dolby Digital 5.1 remix. Given the fact that this is a completely dialogue-driven offering, there's really very little going on. Unfortunately, the one element that gets some surround presence is Trevor Jones' corny score, which sounds more dated than the picture looks. Otherwise, dialogue sounds natural and music remained clear.
MENUS: Basic, non-animated main & sub-menus.
EXTRAS: Nothing is included.
Final Thoughts: "True Colors" offers two fine performances, but the screenplay could have been improved. Paramount's DVD edition offers no supplements, but respectable audio/video. Rent it.
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